National University of Ireland, Galway Draft Drug Policy Version One

Transcription

1 1. Introduction National University of Ireland, Galway Draft Drug Policy Version One 2. Rationale 2.1 Public health drug policy 2.2 University environment 2.3 Student life 3. Terms of reference 4. Aims of the University drug policy Table of Contents 5. Policy Measures 5.1 Drug education 5.2 Guidelines on managing drug related situations 5.3 Health & safety procedures 5.4 The law and code of conduct 5.5 Staff responsible for implementing the policy and specific roles and responsibilities 5.6 Staff development, training and support issues 5.7 Procedures for review, monitoring and evaluation 5.8 The involvement of outside agencies 5.9 Research 5.10 The process by which the policy is to be implemented References Appendix A Misuse of Drugs Act 1984 section 19 Appendix B Local Support Services Appendix C Membership of Drug Policy Development Group 0

2 1. Introduction The College Lifestyle and Attitudinal Lifestyle (CLAN) report (Hope et al, 2005) determined that drug use amongst the 3 rd level student population was much higher than that reported by a similar age group in the national drug prevalence survey (NACD, 2003). With regard to cannabis use 37% of students and 11% of a similar age group (15-24) reported using cannabis in the past 12 months in the CLAN and national drug prevalence surveys respectively. There is evidence that lifestyle choices including the use of drugs can have an affect on mental health and also that mental health affects lifestyle choices (NIMHE, 2005; Department of Health and Children, 2006) The implementation of a drug policy for the students of NUI Galway is an action that will be part of the process as outlined in the NUI Galway Mental Health Strategy (NUI Galway, 2008) that will promote mental health. It was stated in this strategy Strengthening those aspects of University life and University policy that promote mental health will benefit all students including those with existing mental health problems. Further it is considered that there are strong links between mental health, well-being, student retention and academic success. The strategic objective of the National Drug Strategy (Department of Tourism, Sport & Recreation, 2001) was to significantly reduce the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on supply reduction, prevention, treatment and research. A new National Drug Strategy is currently being developed. The development & implementation of a drug policy fits in with achieving the objective of the National Drug Strategy. In 1998, NUI Galway adopted an alcohol policy, formulated and recommended by the Student Services Committee. The policy aimed to address concerns about the promotion of alcoholic drink on the campus and the damaging effects of excessive consumption by students of the University (NUI Galway, 2002). This policy resulted in a number of significant changes. It is hoped that the implementation of a drug policy can have a similarly positive impact. 2. Rationale A moral and value framework 2.1 Public health drug policy The World Health Organisation considers policies which influence the levels and patterns of substance use and related harm can significantly reduce the public health problems attributed to substance use, and interventions at the health care system level can work towards the restoration of health in affected individuals (WHO). 1

3 It has been concluded that government policies have only limited impact on rates of drug use but however, policies are highly relevant because they can have significant impact on the levels of drug related harm (Reuters and Stevens, 2007). The provisional National Drug Strategy (Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, 2009) highlights the relevance of local drug policies as an effective strategy to deal with the drug issue at a local level. 2.2 University environment At all universities and colleges diversity of opinion and freedom of choice have long been part of the academic tradition. However, freedom of choice brings with it personal responsibilities which include the obligation to respect the rights of others and to comply with the university rules and regulations. The ethos of the University not only promotes positive learning experiences and academic excellence, but also provides a caring and supportive community where students and staff in need of support are given the necessary supports. The University is also obliged to provide a safe working environment for students and staff. Any activity or practice that constitutes a hazard needs to be eliminated to reduce injury or loss. When students engage in drug use, academic performance, health, personal relationships and safety may suffer. However, drug issues cannot and should not be tackled in isolation and must be seen within a broader context of lifestyle issues and a supportive University environment. The health promoting University structure provides an ideal mechanism to address the drug issue. 2.3 Student life The period of late adolescence and early adult life is a transitional phase for students where new freedoms, new relationships and adapting to a different environment provides daily challenges in addition to the academic challenges of new courses (Healy et al, 1999) Drug use is a feature in the lives of some young people in Ireland. A number of surveys provide evidence of the availability and use of drugs by young people in Ireland. The CLAN survey (Hope et al, 2002) indicated that the levels of illicit drug use for all drugs amongst 3 rd level students was higher than that of a similar general population group of the same age (16-24 years). An effective drug policy is an important part of a University s retention of student s strategy and represents a scheme of actions to improve the quality of student life. 3. Terms of Reference a. Definition of a drug A drug for the purpose of this policy is defined as a substance other than those required for the maintenance of normal health which on administration alters biological function, mood, cognition and behaviour (Johns, 1990). 2

4 As such it includes illegal and legal drugs that have the potential to cause harmful consequences to the individual who use and misuse them. For the purpose of this policy the term drugs will also include solvents which are generally referred to as volatile substances. The term substance is sometimes used as a means of referring to drugs and for the purpose of this policy the two terms can be considered equivalent and interchangeable. It is recognised however that the procedures adopted by the University for dealing with legal and illegal drug use will differ in some respects for legal reasons. b. The geographical boundaries of the policy This policy outlines procedures applicable to drug related incidents that occur within grounds owned and administered by NUI Galway as interpreted in the NUI Galway Code of Conduct (NUI Galway, 1983). It is considered that activities arranged by a student organisation that is affiliated to NUI Galway and occur outside of the grounds of NUI Galway are governed by the Code of Conduct and such procedures as set down by that body. It is considered that the drug policy will also be of relevance. There is also provision within the policy for dealing with drug related incidents that occur outside of the domain of the University and involve the student with external agencies. 4. Aims of the University Drug Policy The aims of this drug policy are to: 1. Promote the University as a supportive environment that enables students to make healthy choices that promote health and well-being. 2. Ensure that the University is safe for students and complies with health and safety regulations. 3. Ensure that the social and academic life on campus is conducive to the health and well being of students. 4. Provide support services for those who may require assistance during their time at University. 5. Contribute to the ongoing development of the University as a Health Promoting University. The specific objectives include Promoting the health and well being of students and their personal responsibility and social obligation to the University community Providing up to date, balanced and accurate drug related information and education for all students and developing strategies to deliver this so that it can be accessed by all students to enable students to make informed choices Promoting a harm reduction approach to drug use whilst discouraging drug use 3

5 Supporting and promoting alternatives to drug misuse, thus creating choice and a balanced social programme Providing non-judgemental, confidential, effective and accessible supports for those who seek assistance as a result of problem drug use as well as opportunities for brief intervention 5. Policy Measures Policy measures will discourage the misuse of drugs. However it is recognised that some individuals will choose to use drugs. As such policy measures whilst not condoning the use of drugs will encourage those who decide to and continue to use drugs to do so in a way that minimises harm to themselves and others. The following policy areas are included: Drug education the aims, objectives and approaches of the strategy Guidelines on managing drug related situations including reporting, recording and referral procedures Health and safety procedures The law and code of conduct Staff responsible for implementing the policy and their specific roles and responsibilities Staff development, training and support issues Procedures for review, monitoring and evaluation The involvement of outside agencies Research The process by which the policy is to be implemented 5.1 Drug Education The aim of drug education is to discourage students from using illicit drugs and to encourage those students who decide to use or to continue to use drugs to do so in a manner that minimises the risk to their well being and that of others. This will be achieved by Information on drugs and treatment services to be available at events at where students attend in significant numbers. This includes student orientation, clubs & societies days and during healthy living week. Information will also be made available to students at student residences which are centrally managed such as Corrib Village and Dun Aras via the residence management service. Information on drugs and treatment services will be available on the counselling service, students union and student services websites. Details of the NUI Galway drug counselling service will be ed to all students at the start of each semester as well as details of other local treatment services and details of the national drug website and helpline. A website dedicated to cannabis has been set up and will be expanded. A number of cannabis users have been involved in providing feedback on the content of this website. 4

6 A group will be set up to develop an educational programme on drugs and in doing so opportunities will be sought to actively involve the student body in the development, promotion and delivery of this programme. The group will consist of representatives of the staff and student body of NUI Galway as well as representatives from relevant outside agencies. Students, staff and tutors will be made aware of the current opportunities for receiving help or advice concerning drug misuse and related problems 5.2 Guidelines on managing drug related situations The University has a responsibility to be alert for the identification of students who have developed or thought to be at risk of developing drug related problems. Students who are concerned about their use of drugs might contact support services within the university about their concerns or might approach fellow students or staff members. The procedure that is recommended is as follows 1. The student is encouraged to contact the NUI Galway counselling service and also given the contact details of the service. 2. The student is also given details of other relevant support services. 3. Where a student does not want to be referred it is recommended that the staff member make contact with the drug & alcohol counsellor for further advice whilst maintaining the confidentiality of the individual concerned 4. A record of any drug related contacts should be kept by staff including the staff of the Student Health Unit by completing the relevant contact sheet. This contact sheet will be available to staff online or by contacting the drug & alcohol counsellor. 5. A record of any contacts relating to drug use is kept by the drug & alcohol counsellor and quantitative figures are published in the counselling service annual report 6. Details of individuals who attend for treatment with the drug & alcohol counsellor are sent to the National Drug Treatment Recording Service. This does not include the clients name but includes details such as age, gender, drug of choice, age of first drug use and ethnicity. This reporting procedure is in line with the national policy and practice in respect to reporting drug use. Staff should refer to the booklet Supporting and Responding to Students in Distress (NUI Galway, 2007) which provides guidelines for dealing with distressed students including those presenting with concerns including the use of drugs. 5.3 Health & Safety The policy of the University is to provide a safe and healthy work environment through a range of measures and by the active commitment of all staff and students to safety considerations in all their activities (NUI Galway, 2007). The NUI Galway Safety Statement states that To promote safety through the University, and as a legal requirement to persons other than employees, it is required that safety be 5

7 appropriately integrated in all training in the University also Safety training should generally comprise of a safety lecture at the beginning of each academic year (provided by a member of the department). It would be expected that as part of this safety training the risks inherent in using drugs would be raised. Students not adhering to the safety policy will be considered to have breached the Code of Conduct of NUI Galway (NUI Galway, 1983) and be subject to the procedures laid down in this code. 5.4 The Law & Code of Conduct NUI Galway is subject to uphold the laws of the Irish state. In this respect section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 (Department of Justice, 1977) has particular relevance to NUI Galway and is stated in Appendix A. This Act indicates that NUI Galway has a legal responsibility to ensure illegal drug use does not take place on its property. There may be some situations where representatives of NUI Galway need to report incidents involving illegal drug use. Students found in possession of illegal drugs on University grounds are subject to the procedures of the University Code of Conduct (NUI Galway, 1983). Such students should also be made aware of appropriate support services. The Gardai should be made aware of the support services available within the University and encouraged to advise students who commit offences in respect of illegal drugs to refer themselves to these services. Similarly landlords of student accommodation should be made aware of the support services available within the University and encouraged to refer students who are found in possession of illegal drugs within their accommodation. 5.5 Staff responsible for implementing the policy & specific roles and responsibilities Staff are expected to follow the guidelines on managing drug related situations as outlined in the policy (section 5.2). Those employees responsible for managing grounds owned and administered by NUI Galway need to be aware of the drug policy, code of conduct and the legislation with regards to drug use and are expected to take the appropriate actions in line with these. The Misuse0 of Drugs Act 1977 section 19 (Department of Justice, 1977) outlines the legal requirements of a person who is the occupier or is in control in the management of any land, vehicle or vessel and the consequences if these legal requirements are not met (Appendix A). The NUI Galway Safety Statement (NUI Galway, 2007) outlines the responsibility of staff with respect to implementing the safety statement. The responsibility to develop and implement the drug education programme rests with the proposed group to be set up to develop an educational programme on drugs, similarly the responsibility to review the policy rests with the proposed policy review group. 6

8 The drug & alcohol counsellor is responsible for the setting up of these proposed groups. A copy of the policy will be made available to all members of staff. 5.6 Staff development, training and support It is expected that members of the drug education group and review group (staff & students) attend appropriate training on drugs and related issues. Individuals will be invited to participate in these groups. It is further proposed that training on drugs and related issues is offered to all the faculties in NUI Galway and training is made available to student mentors. Such training will be offered through the staff training & development department at NUI Galway and student services respectively. The drug education group will co-ordinate provision of this training. 5.7 Procedures for review, monitoring and evaluation A drug policy review group/committee will be set up. This group will consist of representation from the student body and staff of NUI Galway as well as from relevant external agencies. It is intended there will be representation on this body from student services, security, students union, students, academic and non-academic staff, the HSE, WRDTF and accommodation services. It is envisaged that this group will meet within a short time of the policy being ratified and meet on a four monthly basis in the first year after ratification and six monthly subsequently. The purpose of this group is to review how the actions as set out in the policy are being implemented and to take steps to ensure that the actions as set out in the drug policy are implemented. It is also the purpose of the group to evaluate the impact of the policy with respect to its stated aims and objectives. To this effect an annual report will be prepared by this group and made available by the end of July each year. This annual report will include data on the prevalence of drug use collected by the student health unit and counselling service. 5.8 The involvement of outside agencies It is considered that agencies outside of the University may have contacts with students in concern of drug related issues. This includes student accommodation managers, Gardai and health services. It is intended that a collaborative approach be established with these services in order to ensure that the welfare of students is prioritised. Representatives of outside agencies will be encouraged to participate in the drug education and policy review groups. 5.9 Research A survey of drug using behaviour to ascertain quantitative and qualitative information should be undertaken on a regular basis. The drug policy review group/committee will take responsibility for implementing such research. 7

9 5.10 The process by which the policy is to be implemented Below is tabulated actions proposed in the policy, responsible party and timeframe in which actions are to be carried out. Task Actioned by Timeframe Drug & alcohol counsellor, Ongoing student services & students union Provision of information to students & staff about drugs & treatment services Provision of information to relevant external agencies about treatment services Drug & alcohol counsellor August 2009 Setting up of drug education Drug & alcohol counsellor Sept 2009 onwards & review group Development of a drug Drug education group Oct 2009 onwards education programme Research Drug policy review group Oct 2009 onwards Informing staff of the Drug & alcohol counsellor, Oct 2009 onwards guidelines on managing student services, human drug related situations resources Review, monitoring & evaluation of the policy Staff training & development Drug policy review group Drug education group, staff training & development office Oct 2009 onwards Oct 2009 onwards 8

10 References 1. Department of Community, Rural & Gaeltacht Affairs, (2009). Provisional National Drug Strategy (unpublished) Department of Health and Children (2006). A vision for change: report of the expert group on mental health policy. Dublin: Government of Ireland. 3. Department of Justice (1977), Misuse of Drugs Act Department of Tourism, Sport & Recreation (2001). National Drug Strategy Dublin: Stationery Office. 5. Healy, M., Carpenter, A., & Lynch, K. (1999). Non-compliance in Higher Education: A study of first year students in three Institutions of Technology. I.T. Carlow, I.T. Dundalk, I.T. Tralee. 6. Hope, A., Dring, C., & Dring, J., (2005). The Health of Irish Students. Health Promotion Unit, Department of Health and Children, Ireland. 7. Johns, A. (1990). What is Dependence. In Substance Abuse and Dependence: An Introduction for the Caring Professions, eds Ghodse, H., & Maxwell, D. London: Macmillan. 8. National Advisory Committee on Drugs (2003). Drug Use in Ireland and Northern Ireland. 9. NIMHE/CSIP (2005). Making it possible: improving mental health and wellbeing in England. Leeds: National Institute for Mental Health in England. 10. NUI Galway (1983). NUI Galway Code of Conduct. 11. NUI Galway (2002). NUI Galway Revised Alcohol Policy. 12. NUI Galway (2007). Supporting & Responding to Students in Distress, a guide for University staff. 13. NUI Galway (2007). NUI Galway Safety Statement. 14. NUI Galway, (2008). A Mental Health Strategy for the Students of NUI Galway. 15. Reuter, P. & Stevens, A., (2007). An analysis of UK drug policy. A monograph prepared for the UK Drug Policy Commission. London: UDPC. 16. World Health Organisation, Substance abuse. Appendix A - Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 Section 19 Section 19 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 states (1) A person who is the occupier or is in control or is concerned in the management of any land, vehicle or vessel and who knowingly permits or suffers any of the following to take place on the land, vehicle or vessel, namelya) the cultivation contrary to section 17 of this Act of opium poppy or any plant of the genus Cannabis, b) the preparation of opium for smoking, c) the preparation of cannabis for smoking, d) the smoking of cannabis, cannabis resin or prepared opium, 9

11 e) the manufacture, production or preparation of a controlled drug in contravention of regulations made under section 5 of this Act, f) the importation or exportation of a controlled drug in contravention of such regulations, g) the sale, supply or distribution of a controlled drug in contravention of such regulations, h) any attempt to contravene such regulations, or i) the possession of a controlled drug in contravention of section 3 of this Act, shall be guilty of an offence. (2) In any proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) of this section, where it is proved that an activity or contravention mentioned in the said subsection (1) took place on a particular land or on a particular vehicle or vessel and that the defendant was, at the time of the alleged offence, the occupier of, or in control or concerned in the management of the land, vehicle or vessel, as the case may be, it shall be presumed until the court is satisfied to the contrary that the activity or contravention took place with the knowledge of the defendant. Appendix B - Local Support Services NUI Galway, Student Health Unit ext 2604 NUI Galway, Student Counselling Service ext 2484 NUI Galway, Student Health Promotion Officer ext 2048 NUI Galway, Student Drug & Alcohol Counsellor ext 2312 NUI Galway, Student Union Welfare Service Officer Ext 2747 NUI Galway, Chaplaincy Service ext 5055 National Drug Helpline HSE Drug Treatment Service, 64 Dominic Street, Galway HSE Alcohol Treatment Service, Merlin Park Hospital, Galway Narcotics Anonymous (NA), Western Area Helpline , National Helpline Gardai Siochana, Mill Street, Galway Western Region Drugs Task Force (WRDTF) Relevant web sites (Ireland) (Ireland) (UK) (UK) Appendix C Members of Drug Policy Development Group Mark Campbell Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, NUI Galway Cindy Dring Health Promotion Officer, NUI Galway Kiran Sarma Lecturer, NUI Galway Clare Walsh Administrative Assistant, NUI Galway Gerry Nolan Security Manager, NUI Galway 10

12 Patrick O Flaherty Students Union, NUI Galway Patrick Rochford - Students Union, NUI Galway Orla Fagan Student, NUI Galway Patrick McHugh - Student, NUI Galway Hillary Nolan Drug Counsellor, HSE West Liam O Loughlin Community Liaison Worker, VEC/WRDTF Neil Wilson Drug Education Worker, AIDS West/WRDTF Tanya Dawson Manager, Dunaras Housing 11